The Consequences Of Good Intentions In Romeo And Juliet

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet many themes develop throughout the story. Themes about love, loss, and coping with unpleasant situations are just a few that are evident throughout the novel. Some themes are less apparent, but if the reader dives deep enough into the novel the message becomes more obvious. One prominent concept Shakespeare includes is that good intentions often lead to bad consequences. The character that best demonstrates good intentions often lead to bad outcomes is Friar Laurence. “In one respect I’ll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove To turn your households’ rancour to pure love” (Romeo and Juliet 2.3:90 - 92). The Friar aspired that bringing Romeo and Juliet together as one, would forever stop the feuding families. He hoped to discontinue the violence and street fights, and bring love. But little did he know that bringing the families together would mean the death of their beloved children. Friar only had virtuous intentions when devising plans of marriage, but these schemes seemed to backfire.

“Here’s to my love! [drinks] O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die [falls]” (Romeo and Juliet 5.3:119 - 121). All do to some unfortunate repercussions, Romeo didn’t get the letter telling him the plan, so when news arrived that Juliet was dead he was devastated. He came to the tomb and when he saw Juliet, who he thought was dead, he killed himself. This was partly the Friars fault because the letter wasn’t delivered on time, and he didn’t get to the vault soon enough, to tell Romeo Juliet wasn’t actually dead. The Friars good intentions to keep the lovers together, led to terrible, fatal